ATM condemns SLAPP suit against bishop, priest and anti-mining barricade leaders
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Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed strong support for Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao, Fr. Christian Dumangeng, and the community leaders involved in the barricade in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. These individuals are facing a lawsuit for alleged forcible entry due to the barricade they established in opposition to North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation’s (NLMRC) mining exploration activities.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, stated, “We condemn the filing of this Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) against these environmental and human rights defenders. This lawsuit is clearly intended to suppress resistance against destructive large-scale mining.
“It is unfortunate that an indigenous leader initiated the case, as we suspect that NLMRC has resorted to the common divisive tactics used by mining companies to create conflict and divide the community,” he added
Garganera also slammed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NICP) for condoning the unethical acts of the mining company and for failing to provide adequate information to the affected communities.
The group further criticized the DENR for granting a mining exploration permit to the NLRC despite the lack of consent from the communities, as required by law.
“We find it unacceptable that a permit was given based on questionable attendance sheets that NLMRC has provided as proof that they have conducted consultations. In truth, the communities have not been properly informed and consulted about the exploration activities of the company,” said Garganera.
The environmental and human rights defenders are being sued for “Forcible Entry with Prayer for the Issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WPI), and Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction (WPWI)” . The plea for the TRO was denied on June 17, while the application for the Writ of Preliminary Injunction will be on June 23.
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